Influence of Lead (Pb) Concentration in Gill Tissue of Solea solea from the Adriatic Coast of Albania: Size-Related Assessment

Abstract

This study investigates lead (Pb) concentrations in the gill tissues of the marine fish Solea solea collected from the Adriatic coastal area near the Ishëm River estuary, Albania. A total of 84 individuals were grouped into two size classes (small and large) and analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Samples were organized into six composite groups. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.161 to 0.594 mg/kg in the large group and from 0.250 to 0.714 mg/kg in the small group. Higher Pb concentrations were observed in juvenile individuals compared to adults. Variability within groups was low to moderate (RSD 1.2–8.7%). The findings highlight the role of gill tissue as a sensitive indicator of waterborne heavy metal contamination and suggest potential ecological and human health risks associated with Pb exposure in coastal environments.